Start Area

Sunday, October 19, 2008

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Start Times:
7:10AM – Disabled Division (Wheelchair & Handcycle)
7:15AM – Marathon / Half Marathon / Marathon Relay
7:45AM – 5K Run

Start Lines
The Detroit Marathon Start Lines are located on Washington Blvd. at Grand River Ave. There will be two start lines (side by side) which allow us to get the Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay Teams across the start line faster. In 2006, all participants crossed the start line within 7 and ½ minutes. The Marathon and Half Marathon Walkers start on the West side, and the Half Marathon Runners and Relay Teams start on the East side of Washington.

The 5K Run Start Line will be on the East side of Washington Blvd. Once the street has been cleaned from the previous start, 5K runners will be allowed to line up.

These are 2007 MAP. The 2008 MAP and Updates to be provided by August.

The 5K event will use the same start line as the half-marathon runners.

Click here for an image to print.

start_area

Start Corrals
Assigned Start Corrals will be used to line participants up according to their pace. This creates a smoother start for everyone, by insuring everyone starts with others of the same ability. Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Team start-corral assignments are based on the estimated finish time provided on the race entry. Race bibs will display a letter indicating which corral you're assigned to. This is the only corral you can start the race in, as volunteers will be checking every runner at the corral entrances. Corrals are marked on the start area map, and will have signs to help guide runners on race morning. Runners wishing to change their estimated finish time must contact the race by October 8th. ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , or call 313-222-6676) There will be absolutely no start corral changes after October 8th.

Runner Only Area
The entire start corral area (Washington Blvd, from Grand River Ave, to Park St.) will be off-limits to spectators. Barriers around the start corrals will be in place and marked to alert spectators and participants. Only registered runners, event staff and volunteers will be allowed in. Spectators are encouraged to line up on the Washington Blvd sidewalks from the start line to the first turn at Michigan Avenue. Spectators can use adjacent streets to get in front of the start lines. The bathroom lot will be available to everyone.

Bathrooms
Port-A-Johns will be available adjacent to the start corrals, for runners to use prior to the race.

Gear Check
On race morning, trucks will be in the start area to accept any gear that you don’t want to run with, but need at the finish. The Gatorade bags received with your race packet will double as gear check bags. Bags and labels will be available for all Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Team participants. Runners should put their bib number on the label and attach it to the bag before giving it to volunteers. Detroit Marathon is not responsible for damaged items, so please don’t put electronic devices in your bag. Bags will be available for pickup in the finish area. There is no Gear Check at the Relay Exchange Zones.

No gear Check available for the 5K!

There is no packet pickup for the Marathon, Half Marathon, or Relay Teams on race morning!

5K Packet Pickup Tent
5K Participants can pick up their race packets in the 5K tent located at the North end of Washington Blvd, at Park Ave, directly behind the start lines.

Relay Shuttles
Relay shuttles will be located on Michigan Avenue, between Washington Blvd. and Griswold. This is two blocks south of the start area, on Washington Blvd. Shuttles begin loading at 5:55AM, and will depart at 6:50AM. Runners that do not use the shuttles, are responsible for getting to their exchange zones on their own. For additional information on the Relay Shuttles and Exchange Zones, reference the 5 Person Relay page on this website.

Parking
If you are driving to the race, leave ample time for traffic congestion and parking. As our race keeps growing, so does the congestion. There may be a Detroit Lion's football game on Oct. 19th, so parking around the stadium will be available, but price is unknown. Runners are encouraged to park south of the start/finish areas. New Parking map is coming soon.

People Mover
The Detroit People Mover will be in operation starting at 6:00AM and will provide service to the start area. Grand Circus Station is immediately behind the start area, and Times Square Station is adjacent to the front of the start area. More info available on the people mover page (coming soon).